Government interference, Palin said, is a problem and is hindering economic growth.

“2012 is the race between big government and big freedom,” she said. “We must get government out of the way and we must let the private sector breathe and grow.”

Palin also criticized President Barack Obama and health care reform.

“We’re little tea pots, and we’re getting steamed up because Obama is tipping us over, pouring us out and draining the entrepreneurial spirit from us, that which grew America into the most exceptional nation ever known,” she said.

Obama, Palin said, is trying to “fundamentally change” the U.S. with healthcare reform.

“Can you afford four more years of this?” she asked the crowd. “Why would anybody want to fundamentally transform what is so good and free and strong about America?”

Energizing the crowd, Palin also spoke about optimism in the coming year, as the presidential election grows closer.

“I don’t want you to be bummed, I don’t want you to lose courage and I don’t want you to lose hope and faith that things can be turned around, though the challenges do seem daunting,” she said.

Palin’s speech did instill optimism into the crowd, which enthusiastically cheered her on.

Kathleen Wilson, from Novi, said she attended the event to gain some of that enthusiasm.

“I think everyone that is hoping for a conservative president is pretty resolved to make that happen but we just need a little lift now and again,” she said.

Cleveland-area resident Harry Diemert said he too found Palin’s speech to be empowering.

“(Palin) reinstills the spirit of Americans,” he said. “She’s the greatest American in the country today.”

Palin’s speech was the last of several that lasted from 1 to 5 p.m. Among the speakers were several local Tea Party members, Michigan Sen. Patrick Colbeck, Wisconsin Speaker of the House Jeff Fitzgerald and Troy Mayor Janice Daniels.

All of the speakers addressed different topics, but one theme was clear: those who supported their cause need to take action in order to see any change.

Krista Gjestland can be reached at kgjestland@heritage.com, 734-429-7380 or on Twitter @kgjestland.

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